Taking Sexy Back: How to Own Your Sexuality and Create the Relationships You Want

This book feels like a warm, enlightening hug from a very wise friend who just happens to be a psychologist. Alexandra Solomon does an incredible job of making complex psychological concepts accessible without stripping away their depth. I felt truly empowered while reading, especially during the sections on relational self-awareness and learning how to define "sexy" on my own terms. The tone is gentle yet firm, pushing you to confront those dusty old scripts we've all been handed about our bodies. Truth is, I wish I had this in my early twenties before I let society dictate my worth. It’s an educational masterpiece for anyone wanting to reclaim their autonomy and navigate intimacy with more confidence.

As a queer woman, I often find self-help books on sexuality to be heteronormative and alienating. Solomon completely breaks that mold here by challenging the gender binary and offering perspectives that feel genuinely inclusive of all identities. The focus on mindfulness and the "gas and brake" pedals of desire provided a framework that finally made sense to my lived experience. Not gonna lie, I was worried it would be another book full of magazine-style quizzes, but it’s actually a deep dive into social paradigms. It’s empowering to see these topics handled with such care and intellectual rigor in a mainstream publication. Highly recommended for everyone.

Finally got around to reading this, and I honestly think every woman should have a copy on her nightstand. It reads like a long, supportive conversation with a group of friends where no topic is off-limits or shameful. Solomon’s writing is simple and approachable, making the heavy lifting of unlearning toxic cultural norms feel manageable. I love how she emphasizes that sexuality is a journey of self-discovery rather than a destination to be reached. This book is a companion for anyone trying to find their voice and navigate the complexities of desire in a confusing world. It’s a beautiful, life-affirming piece of work that I'll keep forever.

I've been looking for a resource that treats sexuality as a journey of mindfulness rather than just a series of tips and tricks. Solomon delivers exactly that by focusing on the internal work necessary to reclaim one's agency. The book is an enlightening hug for the soul, providing the language to discuss things I’ve felt but couldn't quite name. It’s rare to find a book that is both academically grounded and deeply emotional. Whether you are single or in a relationship, the insights on how we perceive ourselves and our worth are invaluable. This is easily one of the most empowering books I’ve read this year.

Ever wonder why we carry so much baggage regarding our own bodies and desires? Solomon tackles this head-on by dismantling the harmful cultural messages that women absorb from a young age. I found the distinction between spontaneous and responsive desire particularly eye-opening, as it normalized so much of what I’ve felt in my own long-term relationships. To be fair, the "Your Sexy" branding feels a little gimmicky and dated, which initially made me skeptical of the content. However, the substance far outweighs the marketing. It’s a solid, informative resource for anyone looking to build a more mindful connection with their sexuality and improve their communication with partners.

Wow, the depth of relational self-awareness explored here is exactly what the modern woman needs. The author treats the reader like an equal, creating a space for a conversation that feels as intimate as talking to a close sister. I appreciated the intentional application practices included at the end of the chapters, even if some of them felt a bit abstract at times. The book moves beyond just "sex" and looks at how we communicate our needs and boundaries in every aspect of our lives. It’s a very informative read, though I must admit the title is a bit embarrassing to carry around on the subway!

After hearing so much buzz about 'Taking Sexy Back,' I was prepared for a lot of fluff, but the actual content is surprisingly educational. Solomon’s approach to dismantling the "sexual double standard" is both rigorous and compassionate. I particularly enjoyed the sections on how our history and past relationships shape our current communication styles and hang-ups. My only real gripe is that I wanted the journaling sections to go even deeper into the "how-to" of emotional healing. Still, the focus on curiosity over judgment is a message I think everyone needs to hear. It’s a big step forward for mainstream conversations on female sexuality and empowerment.

Look, the title is definitely a bit cringey, but don't let that stop you from diving into the intentional application practices inside. This book is much more than a guide to sex; it’s a manual for understanding your own psychological makeup. The way the author explains the "brakes" and "accelerators" of desire changed how I view my own body's responses during intimacy. It’s informative without being clinical, and the tone remains encouraging throughout. While I wish there were more diverse case studies, the core message of relational self-awareness is incredibly powerful. It definitely helped me reflect on my own perceptions of intimacy and how I interact with my partner.

Picked this up because I’m a huge fan of Dr. Solomon’s podcast, but I have mixed feelings about the final product. While the information provided is undoubtedly crucial and the writing is friendly, I felt the book lacked the specific tools I was searching for. The journaling prompts felt a bit repetitive after a while, and I wanted more concrete, actionable exercises to practice in my daily life. It’s a great introduction to reclaiming your agency, and the inclusivity regarding queer perspectives is a huge plus. Frankly, it just felt like it ended right when I was getting ready to do the real work of transformation.

The chapter on dismantling social paradigms started strong, but I ultimately struggled to connect with the author's voice throughout the rest of the book. Personally, the concept of "Your Sexy" just didn't resonate with me; it felt a bit too forced and "self-help-y" for my taste. While I can see how the educational aspects would be helpful for some, it felt like a recap of things I’ve already heard in other psychology podcasts. I wanted something more earth-shattering or provocative, but this felt a bit safe and surface-level. It's okay as a starter guide, but if you're already well-read in this area, you might find it redundant.